Rochester is poised to transform one of its most iconic downtown structures. The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center will receive its first major renovation in 40 years, with $59 million in state funding allocated for the comprehensive project, according to reporting from WHEC and 13WHAM on December 10, 2025.
The state investment represents a major win for Rochester's downtown revival and economic development strategy, particularly as the city works to compete with convention facilities in Buffalo, Hartford, and Cleveland for regional and national events.
The convention center renovation will focus on substantially improving the facility's aging infrastructure and operations. Key project improvements include:
The renovation is particularly significant because the convention center currently operates an on-site kitchen that handles all food preparation for events, making kitchen capacity a critical operational constraint. "The kitchen is way too small," according to Don Jeffries, CEO of Visit Rochester, making kitchen expansion a priority for enabling the facility to host larger conferences and conventions.
The convention center currently hosts up to 120 meetings per year, positioning it as a significant generator of tourism dollars, hotel stays, and restaurant visits. Mayor Malik Evans emphasized the importance of the renovation to Rochester's competitive positioning.
"Convention centers around the state have gotten state money to be renovated," Mayor Evans stated. "So this is a major win for our community." He emphasized that conventions and visitors contribute substantially to the local tax base and help prevent tax increases for residents.
Jeffries reinforced this economic impact: "If we can get that hotel open and this $60 million renovation here, we will have a real leg up on the competition bringing meetings and conventions here."
Construction on the convention center renovation is set to begin in 2029, following the completion of the design phase and necessary permitting. The city issued a Request for Proposals for design and construction services on December 10, 2025, with a deadline set for the end of January 2026.
This timeline allows Rochester to refine project plans, secure detailed engineering assessments, and prepare the facility for multi-year renovation work. The 2029 start date gives local construction firms, equipment suppliers, and trade contractors adequate notice to plan for this significant project.
While the convention center renovation represents major progress, one significant challenge remains unresolved: the future of the adjacent Riverside Hotel, which physically connects to the convention center via skywalk.
The Riverside Hotel, once the largest hotel in Monroe County with nearly 500 rooms, has been closed and deteriorating since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its critical importance to the convention center's success, the hotel remains:
The city's request for design and construction proposals specifically mentions the "future redevelopment of the Riverside Hotel," indicating that hotel redevelopment is being considered as part of the broader convention center revitalization strategy.
Mayor Evans acknowledged the hotel's critical importance: "But that hotel is absolutely critical to the success of the overall convention center." Despite numerous attempts to contact the hotel owner and developers, they have not responded to inquiries about redevelopment plans or timeline.
For construction firms, general contractors, mechanical engineers, and trade professionals in Rochester and Western New York, this $59 million project represents a significant opportunity in the public-sector infrastructure and renovation space. Project work will include:
The RFP process beginning in December 2025 with January 2026 deadline will create opportunities for contractors to bid on design and construction services. Early visibility into this project allows construction firms to build teams, secure subcontractor relationships, and prepare qualifications now.
The convention center renovation aligns with Rochester's broader economic development strategy centered on attracting visitors, conferences, and major events. Combined with other downtown revitalization efforts, the convention center upgrade strengthens Rochester's position as a regional destination.
Construction employment during the renovation phase will generate skilled trade positions, project management roles, and supply chain opportunities for vendors supporting the construction effort.
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